No April Fool

For the past few days I’ve been inundated with work. Deadlines that had to be met and meetings that couldn’t be avoided while trying to stay on top of my game with my studies. Yes, I took the plunge not too long ago by deciding to take my writing seriously and putting a ring on it. Writing is my passion and I’m studying towards a Diploma in English Language and Literature. I won’t even mention the wife/mommy thing because that will just put me on a trip down pity lane. I seriously don’t know how I’ve been doing all this while sleeping away (not by choice) because my body has decided to foster flu.

This morning while completing another assignment for a client, I thought about how mad I’d be if they all decided to call me saying “April Fools!” I’d surely have died. Luckily no one did and it’s safe to say that my working like a maniac during my waking moments has paid off. I seem to thrive under pressure.

For the past few months I’ve been tapping into the world of Virtual Assistance. A concept that is not all that popular in South Africa as yet but many small businesses are intrigued by it enough because they can’t afford to have permanent staff on their payroll. It’s been slow moving but I’m conquering it one client at a time and doing ok-ish. Many SME’s don’t have the confidence in doing business with contractors without having physical contact. With all the scam artists out there you really can’t blame them. The fact that entrepreneurs have the idea that they can do everything on their own is also another obstacle. I’m not saying they can’t, but in my experience many entrepreneurs don’t have the head for administration and this is often where they fail. Not everyone is a strong administrator and it’s ok. The trick is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and if admin is in the weakness category it’s best you find a competent person to do it for you. My main source of advertising right now is doing a brilliant job and relying on word of mouth. My slogan is: LET ME JUGGLE WHILE YOU FOCUS.

Working from home is most mothers dream and I’ve been enjoying it. The problem (besides a fixed regular income) is that it’s not as easy at it seems. I’m a people’s person and get my fix from interacting with peers. Don’t get me wrong, I love being alone and have the freedom of working my own hours but I feel I need to go out there and be a part of the world again. It’s also for my own sanity and out of love for my family because lately I’ve been feeling less important to them. Like a piece of furniture. Last week I submitted my CV to a company that is literally 5 minutes from home and yesterday morning I received a call from them inviting me for an interview. Because of my location and the fact that I’m home they requested to see me on the same day. Given enough time to quickly wash my hair and dress up, I walked in to their offices just over a hour later and had a great interview. That’s if memory serves me correctly. Being sick really eliminates the nerves factor so that was the one time flu has counted in my favour. Now it’s the waiting game. I don’t have to tell you how great that would be because I’d be able to drop my girls off at school en route and not have any worries about travelling.

The first of a month is always a promise of new beginnings and this month is no exception. Hopefully I will be part of the corporate world once more and will be able to juggle my new job along with all my other responsibilities. It won’t be easy but I’m determined to make it work. I’ve learnt that not thinking about things makes my busy life easier. Autopilot is my middle name and having a schedule helps a great deal. Time management also plays a big role in my daily life.

April has hardly started and my plate is already full but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My tenure as SGB member started today and although I don’t know the full scale of my responsibilities as yet, I’m ready for action. I’ve landed another ghost blog gig and I’ll be busy thinking like there is no box. Hopefully I won’t have to write another article on ‘How to become and electrician in South Africa’ again but hey I’m open to just about anything. If the money is good I’ll write just about anything. The #RedMyLips campaign also started today and it requires no more than sporting red lips which I’m doing in the comfort of my bed as I’m typing and will be doing so for the rest of the month. One of the things I really need to focus my attention on as well is the advice and information I’ve been getting from the South African Bloggers Facebook group. I’ve learnt so much thus far and I need to make a plan with my blog. April is thee month.

Sometimes I wish I was one of those people that always looks busy but does nothing, but I have yet to acquire that skill. I believe that I can and I will make a difference even if it’s just a drop in the ocean no matter how big or small the task. After all, a little goes a long way so watch this space.

A pinch and a punch and a happy new month to all. If you’re more inclined to jiggle your money and say ‘White Rabbit’, well jiggle away.

I’m off to a drug induced sleep once more. Guess flu was my body’s way of getting me to slow down. Not ideal but hey, I’m human like that.

What is everyone else up to and how do you cope with all your responsibilities and to-do list?

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